Wednesday Rundown: Sustaining Healthy Lungs, Communities & Cheetahs?

A male cheetah at the Pittsburgh Zoo is sedated and about to undergo a series of X-rays.

Credit Deanna Garcia / 90.5 WESA

These topics air Wednesday January 15, 2014 at noon and 8pm on 90.5 WESA. To leave a question or comment before or after the show dial 412-256-8783. Join the conversation LIVE between 12pm & 1 pm weekdays at 412-246-2002. More Essential Pittsburgh segments can be heard here.

Pittsburgh Zoo CheetahsThe cheetahs at the Pittsburgh Zoo are more than cute animals. They could play an important role in the breeding of future cheetahs. Joining us to discuss how these cheetahs could impact future bloodlines is Dr. Ginger Sturgeon, Director of Animal Health at the zoo.

Smoking and TeensA study published in the Journal of School Health finds media literacy is more effective in preventing teems from smoking than traditional anti-smoking efforts. Joining us to discuss the study and its findings is its lead author Dr. Brian Primack, associate professor of medicine and pediatrics, and director of the Program for Research on Media and Health at University of Pittsburgh.

Affordable Housing & Sustainable Communities with Diana Nelson JonesMany Pittsburgh neighborhoods are experiencing a resurgence in new development. As new homes and businesses take shape, affordability is crucial in some low-income areas, such as Uptown and Hazelwood. Pittsburgh Post Gazette writer, Diana Nelson Jones has been following a group that takes an innovative approach to low-income housing. She joins us along with Linda Metropulos, Director of Housing and Neighborhood Development at Action Housing, a non-profit that uses sustainable design to build affordable communities.